Parkinson’s disease gets worse over time (progresses). The changes will look different for each person with Parkinson’s.¹ Tracking the changes in your symptoms can help you and your doctor understand how your condition is advancing and if you need changes to your treatment.²

Certain symptoms tend to start or get worse as Parkinson’s progresses. Over time, you may need more help with activities of daily living, like taking a shower or getting dressed. You may experience¹:

• Uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia)
• Freezing of gait or temporary inability to move
• Falls
• Difficulty speaking
• Trouble with eating or swallowing
• Cognitive (thinking) changes
• Problems with using the bathroom

You might also start to experience “off” time the longer you’ve had Parkinson’s. “Off” time occurs when you experience Parkinson’s symptoms between medication doses. The effects of Parkinson’s medications wear off sooner as the disease causes more damage to cells in your brain. “On” time is when your medication is controlling your symptoms well.²

You might notice a return of certain motor symptoms during “off” time, such as^2,3:

• Tremors
• Stiffness
• Cramping (dystonia)
• Loss of balance
• Problems with movement, such as freezing of gait which is the temporary inability to move

It’s possible to notice nonmotor symptoms like fatigue, pain, mood changes, and brain fog.²

It’s important to talk to your doctor about “off” time so that you can get the help you need. Keeping track of your symptoms, especially “off” time symptoms, will help your doctor understand what you’re experiencing and what can be done to help you feel better.²

Your doctor may recommend changes to your treatment plan, such as¹:

• Higher doses
• More frequent doses or other changes to your medication schedule
• Additional medications

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Tracking Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

Having a detailed conversation with your care team can help you find solutions to improve your quality of life. You might be experiencing symptoms that you don’t realize are related to “off” time.² For example, people with Parkinson’s may suddenly not be able to move, called freezing. Freezing can happen when you try to start walking or you’re going through a narrow space like a doorway. This symptom can be related to “off” times.⁶

Freezing and other “off” time symptoms can make it hard to keep up with your daily routine and prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities. Talking with your doctor about everything you’re experiencing may shed light on issues you didn’t know were related to “off” time.²

If you or your loved one with Parkinson’s hasn’t consulted with a movement disorder specialist yet, consider asking for a referral. Learn about ways a movement disorder specialist can help with Parkinson’s symptoms.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyParkinsonsTeam is the social network for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. On MyParkinsonsTeam, more than 102,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Parkinson’s.